A $39 million superyacht has been barred from leaving an Italian port after an injured deck officer sought roughly $35,000 in unpaid compensation — less than 0.1% of the vessel's asking price.
Here's what to know
A crew member's lawsuit seeking 32,000 euros (about $35,647 at current exchange rates) led an Imperia court to order Queen Mavia seized, according to Luxurylaunches. The 203-foot yacht belongs to Saeed Bin Jabr Al Suwaidi, an Abu Dhabi businessman who founded the Bin Jabr Group.
The deck officer said cable recovery during docking caused his injury. Local news website Imperiapost, as cited by Luxurylaunches, reported that the incident occurred in Bizerte, Tunisia, on Aug. 17.
Compensation for accumulated leave and rest periods forms part of the officer's claim, alongside sick pay he says went unpaid.
Luxurylaunches described the officer's salary as slightly above $6,500 for a summer season position running from May 1 through Sept. 30, 2026.
More background
The 1,150-gross-ton vessel accommodates a dozen guests in six cabins and has quarters for a crew of 13. In addition to its expansive owner's deck, the yacht features a spa deck with a seawater hot tub, a gym, a sauna, and a massage room.
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Before its subsequent changes of ownership and name, the yacht was known as Lady Christine, in honor of businessman Lord Irvine Laidlaw's wife. According to Luxurylaunches, the vessel was originally commissioned for Laidlaw in 2001.
Powered by twin Caterpillar 3516B engines, Queen Mavia has a reported speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,700 nautical miles.
What's being done?
When the seizure was reported, the officer's case had already been underway for more than two months. Representing him are lawyers Giorgio Licitra of the Imperia bar and Karim Ivan Garola of the Milan bar.
Diamond Empress Ltd., the shipping company, had no traceable asset in Europe other than Queen Mavia. The absence of another such asset was the judges' reason for deeming seizure necessary.
The seizure is not evidence that every part of the officer's claim has been proven. While the dispute remains unresolved, the vessel cannot leave without adequate security; posting that security would allow the restriction to be lifted under Italian procedure.
Meanwhile, Queen Mavia has been offered for purchase through Fraser since its listing on June 12, 2024, with Monaco-based broker Dennis Frederiksen handling the listing. The yacht had not found a buyer.
Where can I learn more?
These stories cover other high-profile superyachts.
• Jeff Bezos' $500 million superyacht Koru cruised into Auckland Harbour in New Zealand.
• JK Rowling reportedly hid her superyacht's name amid fears of protests against her.
• In Switzerland, a $200,000-a-year school now has a $17 million solar superyacht for students.
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